Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow popular around the world the, fire risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries that power them have gained significant attention.
While EVs offer a cleaner alternative to traditional vehicles, incidents like the recent fire at an EV factory in the U.S. and another in an underground carpark in South Korea have brought these risks into focus.
In Australia, only 6 EV-related fires have been reported as of June 2024 according to EV FireSafe, a company that researches electric vehicle high voltage battery fires & emergency response.
While these cases are rare, the concern for EV batteries and their safety remains. In this article, we’re exploring current safety measures being adopted both locally and globally to tackle these risks.
How Common Are EV Fires?
EV battery fires, though not widespread, are a serious concern. According to EV FireSafe, there have been 511 confirmed incidents of thermal runaway in electric passenger vehicles, including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), as of June 30, 2024.
With about 40 million EVs worldwide, this number is relatively small but still significant. The increase in incidents during 2021 and 2022, largely due to manufacturing defects, highlights the impact of quality control issues. Although the number of incidents has slightly decreased in 2023 due to recalls and battery replacements, the risk remains a key issue.
Leading Causes of EV Fires
Data reveals that the causes of EV battery fires have been fairly consistent over the past year. The main culprits are:
- Road Traffic Collisions or Impact with Road Debris: These account for 119 incidents. Accidents can damage battery packs, leading to overheating and fires.
- Battery Faults During Manufacture: Due to manufacturing issues, defective batteries have caused 45 fires. These faults compromise the battery’s safety and increase the risk of thermal runaway.
- Submersion in Water: There have been 28 fires caused by vehicles submerged in water. Water exposure can short-circuit the battery and trigger fires.
- External Fire Spreading to the EV: Fires from external sources, like nearby burning objects, have caused 22 incidents. These fires can spread to the vehicle and ignite the battery.
Interestingly, 51 per cent of incidents remain unexplained, often due to incomplete investigations. Most fires happened outdoors, whether the vehicle was parked or driving, indicating that collision-related fires are a significant concern.
Thermal runaway is a major safety concern for EV batteries. It occurs when a battery overheats and triggers a chain reaction, causing other cells to overheat and potentially catch fire or explode. EV FireSafe has recorded 489 incidents of thermal runaway, often resulting in intense fires with jet-like flames due to escaping flammable gases.
In rare cases, these gases can build up and cause a vapor cloud explosion, a particularly dangerous scenario seen in 22 incidents. Proper installation and maintenance of charging equipment are crucial to prevent such events.
Proactive Measures in Response to EV Battery Fires
In response to these risks, several proactive measures have been put in place.
In light of recent events, South Korea has recently introduced new safety restrictions, such as limiting battery charging to 90 per cent in underground parking spaces. Additionally, the country has accelerated the implementation of new EV battery safety standards, moving the deadline from February 2025 to October 2024.
Meanwhile, in Australia, new fire safety regulations have been put in place in New South Wales and in Queensland.
Fire and Rescue NSW advises that electric vehicles should be identifiable to emergency services and that charging equipment must be compliant and installed by a qualified electrician. Additionally, smoke or heat alarms should be installed in garages where EVs are parked or charged, and only suitable extension leads should be used for charging.
On the other hand, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommends treating EV charging stations as a special hazard. This includes updating block plans, incorporating emergency shutdown measures, and ensuring impact protection. For carparks, they suggest implementing enhanced safety measures such as early detection systems, smoke management, and fire-resistant construction.
The National Battery Strategy is also a key initiative that focuses on developing a domestic battery recycling industry projected to be worth between $603 million and $3.1 billion by 2035. This strategy aims to address the challenges of safely recycling lithium-ion batteries and ensure that they are processed in an environmentally and safety-conscious manner.
Conclusion
As EVs become more popular, managing the fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries is crucial. Although EV fires are rare in Australia, recent incidents highlight the need for strong safety measures.
Stricter regulations and improved safety standards, both locally and globally, are essential to tackle these risks. By enhancing safety protocols and promoting responsible use, we can support the shift to cleaner transportation while ensuring everyone’s safety.
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